Final goodbye - Roll call of some who died in 2011

ATLANTA (AP):They lived by the sword, both inspiring fear and acts of bloodshed around the world. And in the end, they both suffered violent deaths befitting their fearsome reputations. Perhaps no two deaths in 2011 transfixed the world more than those of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden and Libyan strongman Moammar Gadhafi.

Bin Laden became the most wanted man in the world after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that killed almost 3,000 people. Nearly a decade later, he was shot dead by United States (US) commandos in May after being tracked to his hideout in Pakistan. His body was buried at sea. For Gadhafi, the end came after he was captured by rebels, his final moments shown in gruesome, shaky handheld video that was seen across the globe.

If relief and even celebration greeted their demise, the deaths of other notables in 2011 brought reflection on lives of achievement.

The world of science and innovation lost Steve Jobs, the Apple founder who invented and marketed sleek gadgets that transformed everyday technology from the personal computer to the iPod, iPhone and iPad.

Science also said goodbye this year to Christian J. Lambertson, Norman Ramsey, William Nunn Lipscomb, Jr, Boris Chertok and Ralph Steinman.

Political figures who died in 2011 included R Sargent Shriver, Warren M Christopher, Jiri Dienstbier, Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, Geraldine Ferraro, Max van der Stoel, Necmattin Erbakan, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, Madame Ngo Dinh Nhu, Leonidas Kyrkos, Hugh Carey, Garret FitzGerald and Betty Ford.

In entertainment, the world lost Elizabeth Taylor, a woman whose sultry screen persona, stormy personal life and enduring fame made her one of the last of the classic movie stars. The year also saw the passing of soul singer Amy Winehouse, whose death at age 27 left many wondering what works of musical brilliance the world might have seen from the troubled, young star.

Others in the arts and entertainment field who died include: Peter Falk, Jane Russell, Clarence Clemons, Pinetop Perkins, Annie Girardot, Harry Morgan, Ferlin Husky, Susannah York, Randy 'Macho Man' Savage, David Nelson, Sidney Lumet, Richard Hamilton, Bil Keane, Poly Styrene, M.F. Husain, Heavy D, Jackie Cooper, Robert Tear and Betty Garrett.

Here is a roll call of some of the people who died in 2010. (Cause of death cited for younger people if available.)

JANUARY:

Mississippi Winn, 113. A former domestic worker believed to be the oldest living African-American in the US and the seventh oldest person in the world. January 14.

Susannah York, 72. One of the leading stars of British and Hollywood films in the late 1960s and early 1970s. January 15. Cancer.

MAY:

Osama bin Laden, 54. Terrorist leader whose money and preaching inspired the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. May 2. Killed during a raid by US Navy SEALs in Pakistan.

JULY:

Betty Ford, 93. The former US first lady whose triumph over drug and alcohol addiction became a beacon of hope for addicts and the inspiration for her Betty Ford Center in California. July 8.

OCTOBER:

Arthur C. Nielsen Jr, 92. He led the company that grew into an international firm that produces the TV ratings known as The Nielsens. October 3.

Steve Jobs, 56. The Apple founder and former chief executive who invented and master-marketed ever sleeker gadgets that transformed everyday technology, from the personal computer to the iPod and iPhone. October 5.

Moammar Gadhafi, 69. The last of the old-style Arab strongmen who ruled Libya for nearly 42 years with an eccentric brutality. October 20. Died after being captured by rebels in Libya.

Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, 80. Crown prince of Saudi Arabia who as defense minister closed multibillion-dollar deals to establish the modern Saudi armed forces. October 22.

Jimmy Savile, 84. A veteran British broadcaster and famously eccentric culture figure. October 29.

NOVEMBER:

Dorothy Rodham, 92. Mother of Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and former President Bill Clinton's mother-in-law. November 1.

Andy Rooney, 92. The curmudgeonly commentator who spent 30 years talking about the oddities of life on American television. November 4.

Joe Frazier, 67. One of the great heavyweight boxers of his era who was forever associated with three bouts he had with Mohammad Ali, including the 'Thrilla in Manila'. November 7.

DECEMBER:

Socrates, 57. A former Brazilian soccer star known for his elegant style and deep involvement in politics. December 4. Septic shock from an intestinal infection.